10 Crore Rural Households Mobilised Into SHGs Under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana
Over 10 crore rural poor households have been mobilised into over 90 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), according to a report presented in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Rural Development, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, on Tuesday.
The mission focuses on identifying eligible rural poor households through the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 or a participatory identification of poor process validated by gram sabhas. These identified households are then organised into SHGs to access various livelihood and social security benefits.
Caste-wise data shows that 20 lakh SHGs belong to Scheduled Castes, 12 lakh to Scheduled Tribes, and 35 lakh to Other Backward Castes.
In its efforts to enhance social security, the government has enrolled 4.93 crore SHG members under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), 6.14 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and 7.92 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) or state-specific health insurance during 2024-25.
The mission has provided seed capital of Rs. 831 crore to 2.51 lakh SHG entrepreneurs engaged in food processing activities under the Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME) Scheme. Additionally, women farmers have been supported through the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Pariyojana for activities like organic farming, pest control, and branding of organic products.
In partnership with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the mission has facilitated access to milch animals for vulnerable families, enhanced productivity for small ruminants and poultry, and promoted fisheries-based livelihoods.
The government has also initiated socio-economic profiling of urban poor households to extend similar programs to urban areas. Pemmasani highlighted that DAY-NRLM continues to be a cornerstone in efforts to alleviate poverty and empower rural households across the country.
